Before the Last Snow

Chapter 15: Affron, Quién es él? (Affron, who is he?)

Back at the Moonlander Castle, Princess Lurnara was still shocked about hearing that Hedwig could touch Crystal, she was happy, so very happy for her friend, but she also knew that the Prophecy is coming true. Her worrying was pleasantly cut off by Crystal's nonstop talking. At this moment, Lurnara knew Crystal was happy and that she had left the past behind, a few minutes later, however, she'd think otherwise.

The royal gardens were Crystal's happy place. Even after years of scolding and lecturing her to wear slippers out in the garden, Crystal never did. She liked the lush and velvety texture of the grass underneath her feet, she liked to touch things she could touch. The grass, the flowers, the bed mattress, the jewelry. That, perhaps, is why the gardens was a safe place for Crystal; the rosebuds didn't judge her, the tree trunk didn't condescend her, and the plant stems didn't betray her.

"So, Lurnara, what do you think of the Knight, Hedwig?"

She blushed, answering, "Hmm, Crys. Let me tell you exactly what I think of the young man. His facial features are to die for, especially those eyes. Now, I am a Cherean, but I have never seen such precious eyes in my lifetime. I would snatch them if I could, you know? And his charming nature, oh boy, he is such a kindhearted man."

"Huh, I didn't know you thought so highly of him."

"Oh, Crystal, nothing highly exactly, I just admire him a little, I suppose."

What followed was the literal embodiment of awkward silence.

"Oh, Lurnara. I have something to tell you, but you cannot, you cannot tell anyone about this, okay?" Crystal's smile lightened, breaking the silence.

"Of course, Crys. I ain't telling anyone, girl!"

"Okay, good. So, Hedwig, right? A few days ago, he was brought to Tia Maud's place. Parents suspected something fishy about him, you see."

"Oh, and what followed?"

"Well, Tia Maud asked everyone except the three of us to leave, and Lurnara you will not believe what happened after that!"

"Oh, I am already intrigued! What did happen?"

"She traveled within his mind, I suppose, but in the midst of the ritual, Hedwig began choking Tia Maud and-"

"He tried choking her, what are you talking about?"

"Lurnara! Will you just let me finish, here, please?"

"Yes, yes, I am sorry," she chuckled.

"I tried to save her, but his hand won't budge. Then, I slapped him, but it didn't work still, then I had to, I had to kiss him."

So, the gossiping between the young ladies continued, until, Lurnara asked, "Well, Crystal, where is Lexon? He is nowhere to be seen?"

"Why do you ask me about him? You should ask our Queen, Nebula. She would know."

"Know what?" Nebula appeared from inside the castle, with some red velvet cake to munch on. The acidic flavor, along with the cream cheese, in the cake, was one of everyone's favorite delicacies in the castle. Lurnara's eyes brightened up after observing the dense and soft with a moist and velvety crumb. She quickly took one in her hands and noticed the flavors just melt into her mouth. The deep, rich scarlet color laced with white satin frosting was no match for anything Lurnara found in her Kingdom.

"These are so delicious, I swear, I should move here just for the Red Velvet, Neb!"

"Ah, yes. Now, what were you two talking about?"

"We were talking about Lexon, where is he?" Crystal answered.

"Um, he has gone somewhere," Nebula hesitantly replied back.